The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-02-02
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 1887.
The Public Schools.

We copy an article from the GreenrHe En-
te1pr-ise and Nountaincer which gives roScatc
hue to the public school business in Green
vile. We wish that We could see IL as our
friend does but the reality rs to the manage
mcnt and effect of tho pubic schools in Able
willie county is so different from the picture
which our friend draws that we recognize in
Abbeville county no likeness TO the colossal
humbug aS painted for GrccLville county.
When we examine the census as taken by
the United States. and sec therein the figures
which are Numerically the opposite of the
statements of our friend, we are amazed. our
friend, like all others, who talk so silDly
about the contiscation of half million dollars
in these hard times to foster and maintain
system under which Ignorance increases with
each succeeding decade, avoids the actual fig
urcs None of this assertion about the de-
crease of illitcracy, or the increase of cduca-
ton, under this system of public schools IS
borne out by the facts. In 1850 the illiteracy
among the whites was only about seven per
cent, being at that time per cent which was
less than in any other State. The per cent oi
white illiteracy in 1850 was about three times
as great MS 1t was in 1884, As near as We can
arrive at the facts, they arc as follows:
NUMBER OF WHITE ADULTS IN SOUTH CARO-
LIMA WHO CANNOT READ AND WRITE.
In l?.St
In 1870, two years under shis blessed
90.
In 1880, ten years additional...."........3 3l,SSo
These figures are taken from the United
States census. How, then, any man, with
these figures before his eyes as to the
school system which is indisputably and un-
dcnably dcmoraliZing and robbing our pco-
pie, while constantly increasing the illiteracy,
can say that 1t is "doing untold good, Is be-
yond our comprehension.
Besides the figures given in the census, we
have seen with our own eyes, and we can
prove, if necessary, that many poor children
have never been allowed their pro rata share
of the benefit Of the school fund.
Under the glorious system Of "sustairing"
the public schools "by supplemental funds by
private subscriptions" do not the rich, or
those who are able to pay, absorb the public
funds, while the poor who are unable TO "sup-
plemcnt' are denied admittance to the public
schools? It is true that they have been, and
it is susceptible Of proof. Does our friend on
tol system which robs the poor TO educate
the rich? Is not the tax levied upon rich and
poor alike? Docs not the remote farm pay an
equal share with town property? Are not
nearly all the schools located in the towns,
while the rule to establish schools Mt great
distances apart deprlvcs many country pco-
pie Of any benfit of the schools? Half dozen
schools may he located In the towns within
stones throw OF each other, but country
schools must be located miles apart. Town
Deople may establish schools at their own
sweet will, while country people. in some in
stances. must beg and f,wn, and then be de-
MED an equal division of the funds to which
they contribute their full share. Instead OF
.'the public school system being the brightest
jewel in the State" we say "out foul
spot